Triana has always been a special part of Seville due to its history and culture. The most famous and colorful festivity of this district is the Velá de Santa Ana, which started in the 17th century and remains popular to this day.
Festival Highlights
Celebrations start on July 21 in Santa Ana and last until July 26, right after Santiago Day. Passionate dances, music, and specialties of the popular Sevillian cuisine await visitors here. Probably the most interesting part is the tradition of “la Cucaña”. This competition requires participants to walk along a boat’s bow covered with grease to catch the little flag placed on the very top of it. If you can do it, you win and take a price, if not—well, you get wet.
Activities
Apart from the cucaña, the Velá offers a diverse range of engaging activities. Attendees can participate in a chess tournament, a fishing contest, and tournaments for dominoes and petanque. Alternatively, visitors can indulge in the traditional beer shooter contest, often followed by an award ceremony for the "best tavernkeeper of the year." Another traditional highlight is the competition to choose the best decorated booth. As visitors cross the river over the Triana Bridge, they can sense the festive atmosphere as Betis Street becomes adorned with booths in the quintessential Seville fair style. Additionally, Plaza de Altozano usually hosts live performances by various artists.
